New Belgium Brewery - A Story Of Craft And Community

From those initial, quite humble beginnings, this company has grown quite a bit. They make some well-known drinks, like the widely recognized Fat Tire Ale, and also the lively Voodoo Ranger IPA. But it's not just those; they also bring out things like Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza and La Folie Sour Brown Ale, along with other drinks that appear at different times of the year, so there is, you know, a good variety for people to choose from. It's a place where you can really get a sense of how much care goes into what they make, and that is, in some respects, a big part of their appeal.

What's particularly interesting about this company is its journey. It was started by Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch back in 1991, right there in Fort Collins, Colorado. Over time, it grew, setting up another spot in Asheville, North Carolina, which means more people get to experience what they do. This expansion, you see, shows how they have been able to reach more folks while, perhaps, keeping that original spark alive. They are, in a way, always trying to figure out how to keep their original spirit, even after changes, which is a pretty big challenge.

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Table of Contents

• A Unique Beginning for New Belgium Brewery
• The Early Days - How Did New Belgium Brewery Start?
• What Kinds of Beers Does New Belgium Brewery Offer?
• Experiencing New Belgium Brewery - What Can You Do?
• Where Can You Find New Belgium Brewery's Creations?
• New Belgium Brewery and Its Community Focus
• How Does New Belgium Brewery Show Its Commitment?
• A Look Back at New Belgium Brewery's Path

The Early Days - How Did New Belgium Brewery Start?

The story of New Belgium Brewery, you know, starts in a pretty interesting way. Before anyone could even buy a single bottle of their good stuff, the people who founded the company, Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch, actually went on a hike, right into the Rocky Mountains. That act, in a way, speaks to a certain spirit, a desire for discovery and perhaps a connection to the natural world that, you know, seems to have stayed with the company. It suggests a grounding in something real, something outside the usual business plan, which is, well, rather cool.

Jeff Lebesch, for instance, was someone who worked with electrical systems, which might seem like a bit of a different background for someone starting a company that makes drinks. But that blend of technical skill and a love for, you know, making something by hand, probably played a role in how things came together. They began this venture in 1991, in Fort Collins, Colorado. It was, in some respects, a time when the world of independent brewers was still taking shape, and their approach was, you know, quite distinct.

What’s more, the company, New Belgium Brewery, was so different in its early days that it actually didn't fit into any of the usual categories at the 1992 Great American Beer Festival. Imagine that – something so new, so outside the norm, that the people judging couldn't place it. This inability to fit into any designated styles for judging meant it was, well, truly unique. Then, the very next year, in 1993, the festival had to add a special section just for things like theirs, a sort of catchall category. That, you know, really tells you something about how much they were pushing the boundaries of what was being made at the time, which is, actually, a pretty big deal.

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What Kinds of Beers Does New Belgium Brewery Offer?

When you think about the things New Belgium Brewery brings to life, there's quite a range, actually. They have their very well-known Fat Tire Ale, which is, you know, a sort of signature for them. This golden drink, brewed since 1992, begins with a noticeable burst of spicy hops, thanks to varieties like Saaz and Hallertau Mittelfruh. Then, it gives way to aromas that remind you of fruit, all because of the special Belgian yeast they use. The particular taste of Fat Tire, it seems, gets its unique qualities from Belgian traditions going back to the 1930s, which is, in a way, a nod to history in every sip.

Beyond Fat Tire, they also make the popular Voodoo Ranger IPA, which many people really enjoy. And then there’s Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza, which sounds like something quite refreshing, doesn't it? They also produce La Folie Sour Brown Ale, which offers a different kind of taste experience, for those who like something a bit more, you know, tangy. These are just some of their regular offerings, but they also have other varieties that come out with the seasons, so there's always something new, or something familiar, to try, which is, actually, a good way to keep things interesting.

For instance, they had a summer seasonal drink called Grape Fizz Ale. This one, inspired by old-fashioned grape soda, really hits you first with a strong smell of juicy grape candy. It's the kind of aroma that, you know, could take you right back to those purple sodas you might remember from when you were younger. That sense of nostalgia, you see, can be a powerful thing, and it shows how they think about creating experiences with their drinks. They have, as a matter of fact, a wide variety of creations, from drinks that are light and hoppy to those that are rich and dark, so you can definitely find something that suits your taste, and perhaps, discover a new favorite along the way.

Experiencing New Belgium Brewery - What Can You Do?

If you're thinking about visiting a New Belgium Brewery spot, there are, you know, quite a few things you can do to get a feel for the place. You can, for instance, learn a good deal about the company's story, its way of doing things, and, of course, the drinks they make. It's a chance to see firsthand how one of the larger and quite popular independent brewers in the United States operates. They offer ways to book a tour, which is a good way to get a look behind the scenes, and you can also sample some of their creations, which is, you know, a nice perk.

Specifically, at their Asheville, North Carolina, spot, you can find out about upcoming gatherings, what food trucks might be there, and what drinks they have available right then. You can also get answers to any other questions you might have about that location. It’s a place where you can, you know, craft your own adventure, whether you're in Colorado or Asheville. They offer a variety of ways to experience what they do at their different locations, so you can pick the one that fits what you're looking for, which is, actually, pretty convenient.

For example, a beer tasting experience is something they offer. Someone named Dave, you know, showed us into the room where they do the tastings, which gives you a chance to try different kinds of their drinks. And there was a time when someone working at the New Belgium Brewery taproom, you know, had their face turn quite red during a routine check of someone's identification. It's these little moments that, in a way, add to the character of the place. You can, more or less, find out about tours and tastings near the River Arts District if you're in Asheville, which is a cool area to explore anyway.

Where Can You Find New Belgium Brewery's Creations?

If you're wondering where you can get your hands on some of New Belgium Brewery's drinks, they've made it pretty simple, actually. They have a tool called a beer finder. You just put in where you are, and it will show you their selection of independent drinks at stores, places to drink, and places to eat that are near you. This information, you know, comes from their people who distribute the drinks, and it's a very good way to begin your search, so you can usually find what you're looking for without too much trouble.

You might be thinking, "What if I don't live close to one of their places where they make the drinks?" Well, the good news is, they send their creations all across the United States. So, even if you're not right by Fort Collins or Asheville, you can still probably find their stuff. It’s pretty widely available, which is, you know, a big part of how they reach so many people. They really do try to make it easy for everyone to enjoy what they make, which is, in a way, a smart approach.

And there's more to it than just finding the drinks. They also have a program that gives you money back on your purchases. It's a national rebate program where you can see their current offers and get cash back when you buy their drinks at places that are taking part in the program. For instance, there was an offer for five dollars back if you bought two packs of four or one pack of eight of their Wild Nectar. This kind of thing, you know, makes it even more appealing to try their creations, which is, actually, a thoughtful gesture for their customers.

New Belgium Brewery and Its Community Focus

New Belgium Brewery is, you know, quite known for how it approaches its business beyond just making drinks. They are recognized as a company that leads the way in being good for the environment and for the people around them. This means they put people and the community first in how they operate. They also think about the effect their work has on the environment and on society, and they really try to make a positive impact. It's about being a company that, in a way, does good things, which is a pretty strong statement.

As a company that has a special certification called a B Corp, New Belgium Brewery keeps up its promise to be a company that does good. This certification, you know, means they meet high standards for how they treat their workers, their community, and the environment. It shows a dedication to using their business as a way to create positive change, which is, actually, a pretty powerful idea. They are committed to showing that a business can, in fact, be a force for good in the world, which is, more or less, something many people appreciate these days.

This focus on being responsible and giving back is, you know, a big part of their identity. It’s not just about the drinks they create; it’s about the values they hold. They consider the wider implications of what they do, which is, in some respects, a sign of a company that thinks beyond just the bottom line. This approach, you see, probably resonates with a lot of people who care about how businesses operate, and that, is that, a good thing for everyone involved.

How Does New Belgium Brewery Show Its Commitment?

The commitment of New Belgium Brewery to being a responsible company is, you know, something they really try to live out every day. They put people and the community right at the top of their priorities. This means that when they make decisions, they think about how those decisions will affect the individuals who work for them, the people who live in the areas around their facilities, and the broader community as a whole. It's a way of operating that, in a way, builds strong connections and trust, which is, actually, quite important for any company.

Furthermore, they are very mindful of the environmental and social effects of their work. This involves, you know, looking at everything from how they source their ingredients to how they manage waste and energy. They strive to make sure that their activities have a positive influence, or at least minimize any negative ones, on the planet and on society. This kind of thinking, you see, goes beyond simply following rules; it's about actively trying to make things better, which is, arguably, a sign of a forward-thinking business.

Their status as a certified B Corp is, you know, a formal recognition of these efforts. It means they've met certain strict standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. This certification isn't just a label; it's a way of saying, "We're serious about this." They are, in a way, proving that a business can be a power for good, not just for making money, but for contributing to a better world, which is, actually, a pretty inspiring goal for any organization to have.

A Look Back at New Belgium Brewery's Path

So, looking back at the path of New Belgium Brewery, you can see a company that began with a unique spirit, literally with its founders exploring the mountains before they even sold their first drink. It's a company that, you know, started in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1991, with Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch, and later grew to include a spot in Asheville, North Carolina. Their early days were so distinct that they even created a new category at a big festival, which really shows how different they were, actually.

They make a variety of popular drinks, like their well-known Fat Tire Ale, along with Voodoo Ranger IPA and seasonal offerings like Grape Fizz Ale. You can, you know, visit their places for tours and tastings, or find out about events and what's on tap, which gives you a chance to experience their world firsthand. And if you're not near one of their spots, their drinks are available all over the United States, and you can use their online tool to find them, which is, in a way, very convenient.

Perhaps what truly sets New Belgium Brewery apart is its deep commitment to being a force for good. As a certified B Corp, they put people and the community first, always considering the environmental and social effects of their work. They are, in a way, always figuring out how to stay true to their original, revolutionary spirit, even after being purchased and during challenging times like a pandemic. It's a company that, you know, truly aims to make a positive mark, both with its drinks and its actions, which is, actually, quite admirable.